Oh so cheesy

I did some major gardening this afternoon to prepare for fall and winter. I also harvested my lavender plants for the season. I didn't get near as much lavender as I did last year, but it still smells amazing.

Once I was done gardening and had showered happy hour promptly began at 5pm. I had a delicious mocktail involving raspberry and lemon sparkling water with a splash of POM pomegranate juice.

Dinner was formed from the inspiration of seafood fettuccine Alfredo. I wanted to create something creamy and cheesy, but still light and healthy. I originally started with the idea of using cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese. After wandering the store aimlessly and not finding exactly what I wanted I spotted this new laughing cow spread. I have been wanting to try it and thought it could work in this dish. I also picked up some fresh grated Parmigiano reggiano and some smoked wild salmon.

Smoked salmon cheesy pasta
I cooked up some whole wheat orzo pasta per instructions. I drained most, but not all of the water from the pasta and kept some to help form the sauce. To the pasta I added two wedges of the Laughing cow cheese, dill, garlic, parsley (for some needed color), diced red pepper, and chunks of the smoked salmon. I mixed everything together really well making a nice cheesy sauce. It got a little thick so I added a tad bit more hot water, you could also use vegetable stock. Once it was all mixed together it was ready to serve.

Topped with some Parmigiano reggiano and served with some carrot hunks. This dish was VERY cheesy and oh so good. It turned out just how I wanted it to.

Making for a nice dinner enjoyed after a long day. The weather outside is gorgeous and I ate my dinner while reading a book about eating and cooking local foods. The book is so interesting. Once I finish it I will share it will you.